Idaho Falls store goes national with fundraiser
Since 2001, Lowe’s Home Improvement stores across the nation have been raising money for muscular dystrophy.
The store in Idaho Falls is actually among the nation’s top stores for raising money for the cause.
Assistant Store Manager Billy Skinner remembers one boy who came into the store in early March and talked with him about muscular dystrophy.
“He came and they explained it and it was very interesting to hear his story on how it affected him,” said Skinner, “because every one of them are different.”
That little boy is one of many reasons the employees and community around Idaho falls have come together to support a car show fundraiser.
“It’s a $15 entry fee,” Store Manager Steve Brooks said, “and all the donations go toward muscular dystrophy and sending children to camp, and research.”
Not only did the Idaho Falls store already raise $16,000 (exceeding its original goal by $3,000) as of Saturday afternoon, the team is looking to raise $20,000 and be in the top-five stores in the nation.
“That’s how important it’s become to our employees,” Skinner said, “and our employees just get into this every single year to raise money and get involved in the community and whatnot.”
The view from the bucket of the Idaho Falls Fire Department’s ladder truck showed just how busy Lowe’s was today. It also gave a birds-eye view of all the different organizations involved, including the Idaho Falls Police Department, Dr. Slaughter’s and the National Guard.
Skinner said Lowe’s is grateful for all the support of the employees, residents and those organizations that participated in the day’s event.
“We appreciate everyone who’s actually donated everything toward us because it’s been a wonderful, wonderful thing for each one of us,” stated Skinner. “We appreciate the community.”
There is still time to help Lowe’s and its employees bring the giving spirit of Idaho to the nation.
“So all that money as well is going to go through,” said Brooks, “and we’re also asking through Sunday for donations as people come through our store.”
There are nine major types of muscular dystrophy. Children with muscular dystrophy can lose the ability to walk from seven to 16 years old.
Life expectancy with the most common form is anywhere is only into the 20s or 30s.
